Summary

This research report identifies 17 specific connector types that are expected to grow at a significantly faster rate than the general market over the next five years. This 22-chapter, 220-page report defines the key characteristics of each connector, as well as provides typical applications, major manufacturers along with projected market values and five year CAGR. This report also reviews emerging trends and technologies that are likely to have a major impact on connector design and applications over this same period.

Each connector type is defined with a product description including key mechanical and electrical performance characteristics, as well as the rational for its selection. Major applications are also identified. A global market value and forecast to 2020 documents our growth expectations for each connector type.

Many of the selected interfaces have existed in the market for several years, but emerging applications will propel their growth well beyond that of the general connector market. Some legacy connector types, for instance, are being adapted to high-speed differential signaling, which will allow implementation in next-generation equipment. In other cases, entirely new interfaces will likely show significant percentage growth from near zero as they are implemented in new high-volume applications.

Introduction

Bishop & Associates has just released a new market research report that identifies 17 connector types that are expected to grow at a significantly faster rate than the general market over the next five years. This 22-chapter, 220-page report defines the key characteristics of each connector, as well as provides typical applications, major manufacturers along with projected market values and five year CAGR. This report also reviews emerging trends and technologies that are likely to have a major impact on connector design and applications over this same period.

Each connector type is defined with a product description including key mechanical and electrical performance characteristics, as well as the rational for its selection. Major applications are also identified. A global market value and forecast to 2020 documents our growth expectations for each connector type.

Many of the selected interfaces have existed in the market for several years, but emerging applications will propel their growth well beyond that of the general connector market. Some legacy connector types, for instance, are being adapted to high-speed differential signaling, which will allow implementation in next-generation equipment. In other cases, entirely new interfaces will likely show significant percentage growth from near zero as they are implemented in new high-volume applications.

Issues explored in this report include:

Which existing connector types are poised for exceptional sales growth?

What new electronic products and technologies are driving this connector growth?

Which industry segments will utilize these connectors? Will certain segments require the development of entirely new interfaces to address specific applications?

Who are the leading manufacturers of these connectors?

How are power connectors being adapted to provide greater power and signal density while supporting system thermal management strategies?

Which connectors defined by an updated industry standard or supported by an industry consortium show exceptional growth?

What is the forecasted global market value of these growth connectors over the 2014 through 2020 period?

How are existing connectors defined by an industry standard continuing to evolve in terms of bandwidth and signal density?

Will new backplane packaging designs such as cable and fiber optic become more widely adopted over the next 3-5 years?

Will the new USB Type C connector achieve universality?

Will new material technology change the way connectors are designed, fabricated and utilized?

Has the performance / cost curve of fiber optic connectors finally tipped the advantage to fiber over copper in I/O applications? Will 25+ Gb/s channels be the tipping point?

How is the convergence of computing, communications, and consumer entertainment influencing the design of interconnects?

What new classes of products such as wireless video, solid state lighting and alternative energy generation will require the development of new interconnect systems?

What technology gaps must be addressed in order to satisfy next generation equipment interconnect requirements?

What effect will the adoption of wireless connectivity have on copper cabling and connectors?

Which of the many pluggable small form factor interfaces will achieve broad industry acceptance?

Will connectors and cable assemblies that incorporate active components become more common?

What new interfaces will dominate emerging automotive applications including infotainment, networking, power management, and battery charging?

Are commercially priced PCB laminates capable of supporting 1meter channels operating at 25+ Gb/s? Are there ways to avoid the use of high-performance / cost laminates?

What potentially disruptive technologies may impact connector design and utilization over the next 5 years?

All of these topics and others are discussed in this new report on Connector Types and Technologies Poised for Growth.